CarComplaints.com Notes: The Freestar was introduced in 2004, but it was essentially just a rebranded Windstar. While there was a redesign of the interior and exterior, the Freestar still inherited some of the design flaws of its predecessor.

3.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,169 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Ford Freestar transmission problems

transmission problem

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2004 Ford Freestar Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #50

Jan 292018

Freestar

  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While driving, there was a loud noise coming from the transmission without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed. The dealer (witt family Ford, W1367 wi-160, pulaski, wi 54162) stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall and the contact would have to pay for the remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12V006000 (power train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #49

Aug 012017

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise associated with the torque converter. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Update 8/23/18

- Lancaster, NY, USA

problem #48

Mar 312016

Freestar

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle was able to stop, but failed to operate after the brake pedal was released. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 12V006000 (power train) prior to purchasing the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

- Wellington, KS, USA

problem #47

Jun 012015

Freestar

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V006000 (power train). The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Yoakum, TX, USA

problem #46

Sep 102012

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,945 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 12V006000 (power train). The contact stated that after the repairs and attempting to shift into drive, there was a sudden loss of engine power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, who stated that the transmission failed due to a faulty torque converter. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 90,945. The consumer stated the replacement torque converter failed. He stated there were no problems, prior to the replacement. Updated 02/05/14..updated 02/06/14 updated 02/10/14 updated 2/12/14

- Rhinelander, WI, USA

problem #45

Aug 032013

Freestar

  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to torque converter recall notice. The consumer stated the first time the torque converter failed, it was replaced under warranty and the all he had to pay was a $100 deductible. The consumer received a recall notice, and the letter stated if the work had already been performed, a refund would be issued. The consumer received his $100 back. However, on August 3, 2013, the torque converter failed again. The service technician contacted Ford, to see if any assistance was available. Ford denied any financial help.

- Lathrop, MO, USA

problem #44

Jan 042013

Freestar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2004 Ford Freestar. Attorney representing consumer writes in regards to torque converter output shaft failure recall notice. The consumer received a recall notice in March 2012. The notice stated the parts were not available, but would be available in the second quarter of 2012. The consumer received another letter in October 2012, stating the parts were available. An appointment was made for December 26, 2012, even though the consumer did not experience any type of failure, he still complied with the recall. Two days later, the consumer received a call from the dealer, stating the recall had been completed. However, on January 4, 2013 while driving on the highway, the consumer experienced a sudden loss of power with no warning. He soon discovered the vehicle would only go forward, as there was no ability to go in reverse. He immediately drove to the dealer, where an inspection was performed and it was determined the transmission was beyond repair and would need to be replaced. Ford stated the failure of the transmission immediately following the recall was a coincidence and they would not offer any assistance.

- Boston, MA, USA

problem #43

Mar 012013

Freestar 6-cyl

  • miles
Letter from senator corynyn on behalf of constituent regarding her 2004 Ford Freestar that lost power, and receive an alert regarding her recall notice 11525 (torque converter), and believes she should be reimburse for her payments. The consumer stated she submitted her original receipts for reimbursement, but she only received $50. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for the towing and diagnostic charges.

- Coppell, TX, USA

problem #42

Jun 012008

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer requests reimbursement for torque converter recall notice. The consumer stated he received a call from the dealer informing him, he could bring the vehicle in, to have the torque converter replaced. The consumer stated in June of 2008, a few months after the three warranty had expired. He experienced a sudden loss of engine power while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an inspection, and it was determined the torque converter had failed. The consumer paid $ $2761.17 to have the torque converter replaced.

- San Juan, PR, USA

problem #41

Sep 082010

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle reimbursement for torque converter failure recall. The consumer stated he received a recall notice stating consumers who had already paid for the repairs, would receive reimbursement in the second quarter of 2012. The consumer stated the second quarter has passed and he still has not received reimbursement. On September 8, 2010 as he accelerated to merge into traffic, the engine suddenly revved up and the vehicle started slowing down. After coasting about 2000 feet, he was able to get off at the exit ramp and was able to park the vehicle and called a tow truck. The consumer stated the denial letter stated the extended warranty should have covered the repair. The consumer stated the warranty expired on August 3, 2009 and the failure occurred on September 8, 2010. Updated 11/28/12 the consumer stated the torque converter failed again in January 2012. The consumer stated the dealer used the same flawed parts to replace the torque converter. Updated 02/28/13

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #40

Apr 222011

Freestar 6-cyl

  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Power train automatic transmission. My wife while driving with children on a secondary highway lost forward motion while traveling up a hill. Was lucky she was able to brake and steer off highway and no vehicles behind her. It has been a nightmare ever since. Had the vehicle towed to a german Ford dealership that quoted us a $10,000 dollar repair to replace the transmission. Found a reputable transmission shop that repaired it for about $4,000, but now the vehicle had multiple error codes, (transaxle, and check engine lite). Replaced multiple sensors trying to solve problem and bounced back and forth between the transmission shop and a different Ford dealership that guaranteed they could fix and repair any problem on an american Ford. Thought I had a power train control module problem affected because of the tsb (06-14-10). I was assured this was not the problem. In between this, Ford issued the recall (NHTSA id 12V006000, action number EA09016, recall number 11S25). My vehicle had to sit from January-July 2012 waiting on the recall to be issued on my particular vehicle. After replacing the torque converter under the recall, the german Ford dealership still had the transaxle lite come back on, so replaced a sensor. Following this work, the oil pressure lite came on. The german Ford dealership replaced the sensor. Now the vehicle will not even start. The vehicle has not been able to be test driven to determine if the transmission is good or not, and the german Ford dealership is refusing to do additional work on the vehicle. They do not know what is wrong andmy vehicle continues to just sit there. I have not had this vehicle operational for almost 19 months.

- Heidelberg, AE, USA

problem #39

Oct 012012

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall notice concerning worn splines in the transmission torque converter. The consumer submitted the service invoice.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #38

Jul 272012

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to recall notice 11S25/12V006000 concerning transmission torque converter the consumer stated she received a recall letter in the mail in March. However, the recall letter stated parts would not be available until the third quarter of 2012. In July 2012, when the consumer went to have the dealer for routine maintenance, she inquired about the recall, and the dealer informed her, they were only repairing vehicles, that had actually had transmission failure. The consumer then received an official letter, stating the parts were available. However, she felt the dealership was giving her the run around, in not fixing her vehicle in a timely manner.

- Niskayuna, NY, USA

problem #37

May 212009

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2005 Ford Freestar. Consumer seeks reimbursement for recall vehicle repairs relating to the torque converter. Ford Motor Company denied the consumer's request for reimbursement. They would not send him a written explanation for the denial. Recall# 12V006000

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #36

Sep 082010

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer states transmission and torque converter failure the consumer stated he received a recall notice stating consumers who had already paid for the repairs, would receive reimbursement in the second quarter of 2012. The consumer stated the second quarter has passed and he still has not received reimbursement. On September 8, 2010 as he accelerated to merge into traffic, the engine suddenly revved up and the vehicle started slowing down. After coasting about 2000 feet, he was able to get off at the exit ramp and was able to park the vehicle and called a tow truck.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #35

Aug 012012

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to recall notice 11S25/NHTSA 12V-006 the consumer stated when he contacted the first dealer, they informed him, they would examine the vehicle and if nothing appeared wrong, they would not do anything. The second dealer, informed the consumer, they have been waiting for over a year for parts.

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #34

Dec 172010

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2005 Ford Freestar. Consumer writes in regards to recall concerning transmission torque converter in March 2012, the consumer received a safety recall notice. After a few weeks, he decided to contact the customer service number listed on the memo. The consumer stated to his knowledge, he never received an update to the original notice that was promised for 2nd quarter 2012. On 04/02/12, the consumer was advised by a customer service rep, that his vehicle was eligible for the recall. The consumer then informed the rep, that the torque converter failed on 12/17/10 and he had it replaced at his expense. He was then advised to go to the dealership and to seek a replacement and they would assist him in recouping his costs through the Ford roadside assistance program. The next day, the consumer arrived at the dealer. They stated they were aware of the recall, but it was still new and they had no details on how to proceed. A few weeks later, the consumer was informed they were waiting for production of suitable replacement parts. Weeks later, the parts arrived. However, he was informed they were not doing repairs, unless the vehicle was not running. The consumer then called customer service again and relayed what was said to him. The rep informed the consumer the dealer was wrong and eventually an appointment was made. Ford customer service informed the consumer, he would only be reimbursed for the torque converter, not the towing, because the work was not performed by a Ford dealer.

- Newton Falls, OH, USA

problem #33

Jul 022012

Freestar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Letter from congressman meehan on behalf of constituent re NHTSA recall 12V-006 2004 Ford Freestar transmission torque converter (dot/I# H 2012182) the consumer stated he is concerned about the safety of his vehicle and was troubled by the fact, that Ford has not contacted him regarding a repair date and replacement parts.

- Springfield, PA, USA

problem #32

Jul 022012

Freestar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Ford Freestar. Consumer states that the parts for the torque converter output shaft recall are not available. The consumer stated he experienced loss of power while driving.

- Carteret, NJ, USA

problem #31

May 152012

Freestar 6-cyl

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, there was severe hesitation and then immediately the transmission completely loss power. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician replaced the torque converter under the NHTSA campaign id number 12V006000 (power train:automatic transmission:torque converter). Two weeks after the repair was performed, the transmission would not function in the reverse gear. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 8/6/12 updated 08/16/2012

- Monmouth, IL, USA

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